OPT Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs
Behavioral Health Counselor roles on OPT typically require a master's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field. Most positions also require state licensure or supervised hours toward licensure, which matters for your OPT timeline. STEM OPT extension is not available for this role.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Provides behavioral health counseling services.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conducts patient assessments and establishes therapy treatment goals.
- Administers individual and group therapy. Maintains thorough and confidential records of observations.
- Evaluates progress and effectiveness of therapy interventions.
- Provides patient with information regarding resources and therapeutic activities in the community.
- Works directly with the patient, family, physician and community providers to ensure active and collaborative care from the initiation of treatment to the time of discharge.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Licensure / Certification / Registration
- Required Credential(s):
- One or more of the following:
- Associate Counselor specializing in Mental Health credentialed from the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
- Licensed Counselor specializing in Clinical Addiction credentialed from the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
- Licensed Counselor specializing in Mental Health credentialed from the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
- Licensed Social Worker specializing in Clinical Practice credentialed from the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
- Therapist specializing in Marriage & Family credentialed from the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
- One or more of the following:
- Preferred Credential(s):
- BLS Provider. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.
Education
- Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling or related field required.
Work Experience
- None required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
- Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
- Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
- Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
- Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
- Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
- Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more
Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 99,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you'll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.
Equal employment opportunity employer
Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.
Fraud prevention notice
Prospective applicants should be vigilant against fraudulent job offers and interview requests. Scammers may use sophisticated tactics to impersonate Ascension employees. To ensure your safety, please remember: Ascension will never ask for payment or to provide banking or financial information as part of the job application or hiring process, our legitimate email communications will always come from an @ascension.org email address; do not trust other domains, and an official offer will only be extended to candidates who have completed a job application through our authorized applicant tracking system.
E-Verify statement
Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please click here for more information.
INTRODUCTION
Provides behavioral health counseling services.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conducts patient assessments and establishes therapy treatment goals.
- Administers individual and group therapy. Maintains thorough and confidential records of observations.
- Evaluates progress and effectiveness of therapy interventions.
- Provides patient with information regarding resources and therapeutic activities in the community.
- Works directly with the patient, family, physician and community providers to ensure active and collaborative care from the initiation of treatment to the time of discharge.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Licensure / Certification / Registration
- Required Credential(s):
- One or more of the following:
- Associate Counselor specializing in Mental Health credentialed from the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
- Licensed Counselor specializing in Clinical Addiction credentialed from the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
- Licensed Counselor specializing in Mental Health credentialed from the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
- Licensed Social Worker specializing in Clinical Practice credentialed from the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
- Therapist specializing in Marriage & Family credentialed from the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
- One or more of the following:
- Preferred Credential(s):
- BLS Provider. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.
Education
- Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling or related field required.
Work Experience
- None required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
- Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
- Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
- Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
- Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
- Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
- Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more
Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 99,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you'll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.
Equal employment opportunity employer
Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.
Fraud prevention notice
Prospective applicants should be vigilant against fraudulent job offers and interview requests. Scammers may use sophisticated tactics to impersonate Ascension employees. To ensure your safety, please remember: Ascension will never ask for payment or to provide banking or financial information as part of the job application or hiring process, our legitimate email communications will always come from an @ascension.org email address; do not trust other domains, and an official offer will only be extended to candidates who have completed a job application through our authorized applicant tracking system.
E-Verify statement
Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please click here for more information.
See all 5,525+ OPT Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Behavioral Health Counselor
Clarify your licensure status upfront
Most Behavioral Health Counselor positions require a state license or documented progress toward one. Know exactly where you stand before applying. Employers hiring on OPT need confidence you can legally practice, so lead with your licensure timeline in your cover letter.
Target employers with supervision infrastructure
Community health centers, hospital systems, and nonprofits often have licensed supervisors on staff who can oversee your hours toward licensure. These organizations are more likely to understand OPT work authorization and have experience hiring international counseling graduates.
Highlight your degree field on every application
OPT must be directly related to your degree. A master's in clinical mental health counseling or social work is a strong match for this role. State that connection explicitly in your resume and cover letter so hiring managers see the authorization is straightforward.
Start your OPT application early
USCIS recommends applying up to 90 days before your program end date. Behavioral Health Counselor hiring timelines can stretch two to three months, so having your EAD in hand before you start applying puts you in a much stronger position with employers.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship before accepting an offer
Standard OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization. Since this role does not qualify for STEM extension, you need an employer willing to sponsor an H-1B visa before your OPT expires. Raise the sponsorship question during the offer stage, not after.
Focus on employers with a record of sponsoring counselors
Large behavioral health networks, federally qualified health centers, and VA facilities have sponsored international workers before and understand the process. Search Migrate Mate to find Behavioral Health Counselor roles at employers actively open to OPT candidates and visa sponsorship.
Behavioral Health Counselor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Behavioral Health Counselor on OPT?
Yes, as long as your employment is directly related to your degree. A master's in clinical mental health counseling, social work, or a closely related field satisfies the OPT direct-relationship requirement for this role. You'll need your EAD card before starting work, and your position must align with the field listed on your SEVIS record.
Does Behavioral Health Counselor qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
No. Behavioral Health Counseling falls under CIP codes in the social and behavioral sciences, not the STEM-designated fields recognized by DHS. That means your OPT work authorization is limited to 12 months. Planning for H-1B sponsorship or another nonimmigrant visa before your OPT expires is essential.
Do I need a state license to work as a Behavioral Health Counselor on OPT?
Licensure requirements depend on the state and the specific job. Many entry-level positions allow you to work under supervision while accumulating hours toward a license such as the LPC, LMHC, or LCSW. Confirm the employer's requirements before applying, since unlicensed practice in a state that requires it could jeopardize both your employment and your OPT status.
How do I find Behavioral Health Counselor employers who sponsor OPT?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters job listings by sponsorship willingness. Behavioral Health Counselor roles at community mental health centers, hospital systems, and federally qualified health centers are among the most active hirers of international graduates in this field. Browsing by employer type on Migrate Mate helps you focus on organizations with a sponsorship track record.
What happens to my OPT if I'm still accumulating supervision hours toward licensure?
Your OPT status is tied to active, qualifying employment, not licensure status. Working under a licensed supervisor while accruing hours counts as valid OPT employment as long as the role is related to your degree and you're being compensated. Unpaid supervision hours do not satisfy OPT employment requirements, so confirm your arrangement includes paid employment before your program ends.